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Posts Tagged ‘landlord’

How to Avoid Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants

Friday, 23 December 2011 08:36 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
How to Avoid Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants

The relationship between landlord and tenant may be based on formal agreements but problems and disputes may arise along the way especially if the tenant is dealing with a non-resident landlord. Some of the most common problems that they face are security deposit settlements, increases of rent, maintenance and repairs, issues pertaining to homeowners associations and a number of other concerns.

How to Avoid Disputes Between Landlords and Tenants

More often than not, a smooth-sailing relationship between landlord and tenant is based on comprehensive groundwork, record keeping, open communication, and knowledge and respect for each other’s rights. It is only through this mutual understanding can legal consequences be avoided.

Like all kinds of relationships, it cannot begin with anything dubious, or in this case, it should start with a concise and complete lease agreement. A thorough one would be tailored to comply with the rules and laws of the property owner, and of the Federal, state and local laws. In terms of language, the lease agreement should be understandable and open to interpretation and question. At the same time it should also be clear enough to establish a sturdy mutual relationship between landlord and tenant.

Most of all, a good lease agreement covers all aspects and issues that sometimes may not be so common but have been experienced in the past. It defines solutions and answers to future problems and questions that will definitely put both parties at ease and boost the relationship even further.

Open communication is also crucial to avoid disputes between landlord and tenant. In spite of what is written in the lease agreement, life often finds the landlord or the tenant with a few updated needs or wants. As such, it is better to communicate this at once to the other party. For example, if the tenant finds the need to acquire a pet or make a few renovations inside the property, it is best to tell the landlord as soon as possible so that both parties can have the opportunity to negotiate and make compromises.

Postponing or totally dismissing such communication can jeopardize the relationship. Knowing that this can also ruffle the feathers of the landlord, tenants with issues up their sleeves end up with no peace living in the knowledge of the ramifications of his actions. Conversely, if the landlord finds the need to raise the rent or to make repairs inside the rented property, he should also give the tenant ample time and legal notice. There are no issues that cannot be addressed if these are properly laid on the table.

Sometimes, presuming that everything is already set in stone, both parties in the relationship disregard the possibility of a little flexibility in spirit and compromise that can arise when they talk it out. With communication comes empowerment and entitlement that often leads both landlords and tenants to say yes to each other’s issues.

Florida Landlord and Tenants Responsibilities

Monday, 12 December 2011 12:07 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
Florida Landlord and Tenants Responsibilities

Property owners in Florida who decide to have their properties rented or leased know that there are certain duties to be followed as well as Florida landlord rights to be practiced so that along with the tenants rights and duties they can both have peaceful and orderly lives. However efforts to know about these right and duties are only pursued when problems or questions arise.

Florida Landlord and Tenants ResponsibilitiesPart of the landlord’s responsibilities is to ensure to provide a livable and safe place for the renter or tenant. This means, that the roofs are not leaking and the walls are in tact and ready for all kinds of weather. The stairs must be safe and and the locks are functioning on the doors, windows and elsewhere they are needed. The house must also be safe from insects and other parasites.The residence must have proper toilet flushes and likewise, the equipment for heating and ventilation must also be functional. Garbage disposal facilities must be available and the electrical system must also be working.

Part of being a tenant is to have a checklist of the things that you need in the property and another for the things that are important to you. By having this list, you can easily point out damaged fixtures and request for repairs and replacements that need these endeavors but were perhaps taken for granted by the previous owners. This will also determine how much you love the property because there are tenants that cannot tolerate certain shortcomings and will consequently decide not to rent out the property. This also allows the landlord to see the damages of the place and not to hold you responsible, making it swifter for the landlord to fix the damage fixtures.

It is likewise important for landlords not to discriminate when it comes to choosing their tenants. Having biases in terms of religion, sex, age, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, ancestry and others can get the landlord in trouble. Likewise, it is also the tenants right to file complaints to the city inspection department if the landlord is unresponsive. Landlords cannot retaliate when you file these complaints and these inspectors can actually compel them to listen to your grievances and resolve your problems. If there is a problem in the rented property that requires you to abandon it, you have the right to receive rent abatement or a prorated rent return. Lastly when the tenancy agreement ends, Florida tenants rights entitle the tenant to a full refund of the security deposit balance with 21 days after you have left the place.

Important Reminders on Florida Tenants Rights

Friday, 02 December 2011 12:00 Written by SWFLRN 0 Comments
Important Reminders on Florida Tenants Rights

Important Reminders on Florida Tenants RightsAs Florida is a prime location for rental properties, one of the salient concerns and considerations for renting in this part of the nation is awareness of Florida tenants’ rights. Still many dwellers are either not aware of these rights or if they are, they are not compelled to fight for them even when the need arises. Rights are there for many reasons and although the mentality of some may allude to tenants’ rights being less important, you may be surprised at how practical they are even in your temporary dwelling in a rental property. It is after all still an investment in shelter, which is a basic need of the tenant for himself and for his accumulated possessions through the years. Thus here are things to remember in the course of being a tenant in Florida.

When it comes to evictions, carefully look into the three day notice that goes with the complaint and summons. There should be a final payment date and a physical address where to send the payment that should be stated in the notice. If you cannot find this specific information, you can file a response to the court in the next five business days. For example, if the notice just states a P.O. Box address or “within three business days,” you can employ the help of an experienced lawyer to represent you in court.

Repairs in the property are common and necessary part of renting. Part of Florida tenants’ rights is to seek repair for your damaged rented property from your landlord. As a tenant you have the right to stop paying rent until such repair is done. However, it is also important that you follow the law that will enable the landlord to exercise his rights as well. To keep the peace between you the tenant and the landlord give the landlord ample time to address and complete the repair. To abide by the law make sure the landlord has seven days notice about the repair problem. If the situation is not handled in a timely manner notify the landlord that you will stop paying rent until the problem is rectified. This should be done in a formal letter stating the problem and should be dated, signed and sent via certified mail for evidence if matters get worse.

Another concern about being a tenant is the security deposit. Even in the event of eviction, the landlord should follow the procedure to give back your security deposit. By law, the landlord has thirty days to let you claim your security deposit otherwise you have to contact a lawyer to help you recover the deposit. Some tenants may be uncomfortable getting legal help but you will find out that lawyers take on these cases without upfront fees because they will be paid by the landlord once the case is over, which as far as Florida tenants rights is concerned, will find you recovering your security deposit in no time at all.